Can I Use Layaway for My Holiday Shopping?
Can I Use Layaway for My Holiday Shopping? Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email T-Minus 21 days before Christmas and the time will fly by. If you find yourself struggling with a way to pay for presents then perhaps layaway is a good option for you. Layaway lets you pay for the merchandise […]
What are the Pros and Cons of Reverse Mortgages?
What are the Pros and Cons of Reverse Mortgages? Credit Report by David B. Coulter Share Share Email Since the launch of the first reverse mortgage in the USA in 1961, homeowners have benefitted from this avenue for releasing equity from their home to cover retirement costs or other expenses. The popularity of these loans […]
Can My Age Lower My Credit Score?
Can My Age Lower My Credit Score? Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email Some of the key components of the credit score are based upon on length of credit, how currently you pay your bills, how much of your credit card credit limits you use, inquiries, and other minor measurements. Age is not […]
What is The ‘Move Me’ Slider?
What is The ‘Move Me’ Slider? Credit Monitoring by David B. Coulter Share Share Email In today’s digital age, many people have ditched cash for cards. Did you know that when it comes time to make your credit card payments, paying on time and in full could decrease your credit score? Or that you can […]
If I Short Sell My House Will My Credit Card Interest Rates Go Up?
If I Short Sell My House Will My Credit Card Interest Rates Go Up? Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email The following question was submitted via SmartCredit.com’s blog. Q: John, I’m thinking of doing a short sale on my rental house to get rid of it. If I do that can my credit […]
Short Sales are NOT Paid As Agreed
Short Sales are NOT Paid As Agreed Credit Monitoring by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email On October 23rd an article called “Damage to credit scores could trip up new Fannie, Freddie short sale program” was published by Inman News. The reporter, Ken Harney, is one of more prolific writers on the topic of housing. I […]
So Exactly Who Calculates My Credit Scores…Because It Isn’t FICO or VantageScore
So Exactly Who Calculates My Credit Scores…Because It Isn’t FICO or VantageScore Credit Report by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email Before I answer the question posed in the article title it will be helpful to have some background on credit reports, FICO credit scores and VantageScore credit scores. Credit reports originate from data compiled from […]
Best Practices For Credit Card Use?
Best Practices For Credit Card Use? Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email The following are some best practices for consumers who are new to credit cards. This is, by no means, meant to be an exhaustive list of do’s and don’ts. But, these will help if you’re breaking in plastic for the first […]
Why Are My Scores Different Across Credit Reporting Agencies? Shouldn’t They Be The Same?
Why Are My Scores Different Across Credit Reporting Agencies? Shouldn’t They Be The Same? Credit Monitoring by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email Circa 1997, the question posed in this article’s title was one of the questions I was asked during my interview at FICO. Thankfully I answered correctly! Credit scores are built using credit data […]
How Can I Get Great Credit Scores?
How Can I Get Great Credit Scores? Bankruptcy by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email How you pay your bills or your payment history represents 35 percent of the points in your credit score, which is the largest component. This is over one-third of your score. This includes both current and past payments. But paying your […]